Walking. So many styles. So many purposes. Although during this past month and almost five hundred miles, I have met only four Via Francigena hikers, Ross, Alison, Kim, and Esther, I have seen all sorts of other walkers.

I’ve seen several speed walkers. In Reims on the Victory in Europe holiday, they were out in force. Yesterday as I passed by Lac de La Mouche right before Langres, a woman powered by me on a trail similar to the lake trail at Lake Junalaska, North Carolina. These walkers mean business. A brief “Bonjour” and they’ve passed. Their long stride’s assuring that they’ll make their desired mile-time.

Of course, some groups of walkers are not really speed walkers. They simply want to enjoy each others’ company as well as the outdoors.

Then there are the dog walkers.

Maybe more aptly, there are those walkers who accompany their dog. Along country roads, in small villages, on major city streets, these dogs lead their owners irregularly. Walk a few feet, then stop. Walk a few more feet, and stop again. There is so much to smell. “Heh, Fred has been here, or maybe that is Jimmy.” “Hmm, who could this be? I don’t recognize this smell.” Most of the time the human walkers tag along, willing to be led, uncertain where their next stop is.

Mainly in larger villages and towns, I see the “off- to-work” walker. Sometimes they have a preoccupied look. They are already thinking about all the responsibilities to be faced or maybe their thinking about a friend or family member. Sometimes the preoccupied look comes from the person texting. I still don’t know how one can walk and text at the same time. I’d end up on my duff. Also, I must confess that numerous very well-dressed women walking to work got my attention. Beautiful hair, long wool coats, black heeled boots! Classic French looks!

The shopper walk. Pulling a cart to the supermarche, walking to get the necessities. Strolling around the open market, talking with friends as much as buying the cheese or fresh meat. Or emerging from a boulangerie with baguette in hand, probably anticipating the future pleasures of lunchtime.

Finally, there is the slow, careful walk of the elderly. Maybe they are simply elderly; maybe they are recuperating from an illness or surgery. Their walk has that tentative, measured pace. Aware of their steps. Aware of the sidewalk , the curbs.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the others who pass me by. The bicyclists, the scooters, the motorcyclists, the two horse riders, the school kids walking to some destination. I guess they have their styles and purposes too. But, they go so fast that I can’t really make sense of them!